New England Culinary Institute, Executive Chef Tom Bivins, (pictured with his mother, Claudia), was the recipient of the Chef of the Year honor at the Vermont Chamber 2011 Hospitality Award Gala. The dinner was sponsored by the Chamber to honor the Best of the Industry in hospitality and tourism in Vermont. This award recognizes an individual with a proven history of supporting Vermont's agricultural economy through the use of local food and products. The winner of the Vermont Chamber Chef of the Year Award also is the Vermont Chef Delegate to the New England Food Show, held annually in Boston. Chef Tom Bivins’ commitment extends from his own small scale farming ventures and purchasing decisions, to his leadership and advocacy on behalf of Vermont local food movements. Through his position at NECI, Chef Bivins has instilled sustainable practices into NECI’s curriculum, as well as been integral to developing future chefs through his own student and peer mentoring activities. NECI founded in 1980, is widely recognized for its innovative immersion style of education. Its graduates are often sought after the world over for their level of skill and preparation.